Handheld breath sensor to detect lung flare-ups in children with cystic fibrosis
SCH: Smart Breath- based Diagnosis of Pulmonary Exacerbations in Children with Cystic Fibrosis through Machine Learning: Towards Noninvasive Health Monitoring in Real-Time
A handheld breath sensor and smartphone app that uses AI to spot early lung flare-ups in children with cystic fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189697 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You or your child would breathe into a small device that samples exhaled air to capture chemicals (volatile organic compounds) linked to worsening lung symptoms. The team will use machine learning on breath data to find a biosignature of pulmonary exacerbations. Engineers will build a nanosensor array that can detect that biosignature in real time and connect it to a user-friendly smartphone app for home or clinic use. The work aims to create a rapid, noninvasive tool to warn families and clinicians of impending flare-ups so treatment can be started earlier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with cystic fibrosis (approximately 0–11 years old) whose caregivers can provide consent and who can use a breath collection device are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Adults with cystic fibrosis, people without CF, or children who cannot provide breath samples (due to age, severe illness, or device limitations) may not benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help catch CF lung flare-ups earlier, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and hospital visits, and limit loss of lung function.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies of breath VOCs and prototype sensors have shown promise, but real-time handheld detection of pediatric CF exacerbations using AI remains largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agarwal, Mangilal — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Agarwal, Mangilal
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.